Flexible Ferromagnetic Sonde for Precise Pipe Defect Location
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sonde designs for locating buried or inaccessible pipes and conduits lack optimization for both utility and durability, leading to inefficiencies and potential safety hazards during excavation and pipe inspection processes.
Innovation Solution
The sonde design incorporates an elongate flexible ferromagnetic core with a surrounding coil and a water-tight housing, powered by a battery, which emits electromagnetic signals at a predetermined strength and frequency for remote detection, featuring a compact and durable construction suitable for various applications, including video pipe inspection systems and drain cleaning machines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sonde is constructed as a self-contained unit that can be flushed down a pipe, then the sonde can be localized to a single point and used for precise defect location, but the durability and utility of the sonde are not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The sonde is divided into separate functional components: a removable coil assembly that can be detached from the housing. This allows the housing to be flushed down the pipe for precise location while the coil assembly can be separately handled and replaced if damaged, optimizing both precision and durability
Solution Approach 2:
The sonde design transitions from a fixed, integrated structure to a dynamic, reconfigurable system where the coil can be removed and reattached. This dynamic capability allows the sonde to adapt to different operational needs and damage scenarios, maintaining reliability while preserving location precision
2Ease of manufacture
If the coil is permanently attached to the housing, then the construction is simpler, but the sonde cannot be easily repaired or have its coil replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The coil assembly is segmented from the housing through a removable attachment mechanism. This segmentation maintains relatively simple construction while enabling easy replacement of the coil component without replacing the entire sonde unit
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows the coil to be discarded and recovered separately from the housing. If the coil becomes damaged or needs upgrading, it can be removed and replaced while retaining the housing and other functional components, facilitating easy repair and maintenance
3Reliability
If the sonde is made robust and durable for withstanding flushing operations, then the reliability improves, but the flexibility and ability to navigate pipe bends may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the coil assembly from the housing, the design allows the housing to be optimized for flexibility and navigation while the coil assembly can be optimized for durability. The segmented structure enables each component to have tailored properties for its specific functional requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The housing can be constructed with flexible materials and thin-walled design to enable navigation through pipe bends and irregularities, while the removable coil assembly provides the necessary electromagnetic functionality without compromising the housing's flexibility
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The improved sonde design enhances the ability to locate buried objects safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of damage and injury by providing a robust, flexible, and reliable means of emitting electromagnetic signals for detection, while also allowing for precise defect location and blockage identification.
Implementation Method 1
An electronic drive circuit is connected to the coil for supplying the coil with an electric signal that will induce the core to emit electromagnetic signals
Data Source
AI summary
A sonde includes an elongate flexible ferromagnetic core and a coil surrounds an intermediate segment of the core. A housing surrounds and supports the coil. An electronic drive circuit is mounted in the housing for supplying the coil with an electric signal that will induce the core to emit electromagnetic signals at a predetermined strength and frequency that can be remotely detected. Self-contained battery powered float-type and pill-type sondes are also disclosed.